WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy awarded a $2,381,448,356 contract to Huntington Ingalls Industries Inc. (HII) May 31, for the detail design and construction of the future USS Tripoli (LHA 7), the Navy's next large-deck amphibious assault ship. The ship will be constructed at HII's Ingalls Operations in Pascagoula, Miss. Ship delivery is expected in fiscal year 2018. Like the future USS America (LHA 6), LHA 7 has an increased aviation capacity, including an enlarged hangar deck, realignment and expansion of the aviation maintenance facilities, a significant increase in available stowage for parts and support equipment, and increased aviation fuel capacity.